Technologies

Mars snow is dusty, and might even melt into liquid water

Dusty, dark Mars ice could suck up solar energy and maybe even get a little melty.

This story is part of Welcome to Mars, our series exploring the red planet.

Back in 2008, NASA made a big announcement that its Phoenix lander had confirmed water ice near the surface of Mars. A team of researchers has taken a new look at what Phoenix found, combined it with data from NASA’s Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter, and used computer simulations to better understand the dustiness of the ice and what that can tell us about Mars’ climate history.

Not surprisingly, Mars snow has dust mixed into it. «The dustier the ice is, the darker and thus warmer the ice gets, which can affect both its stability and evolution through time,» Arizona State University said in a statement last week. «Under certain conditions, this might also mean that the ice could melt on Mars.»

The team’s paper on the Martian ice has been accepted for publication in the Journal of Geophysical Research: Planets.

«There is a chance that this dusty and dark ice might melt a few centimeters down,» said planetary scientist Aditya Khuller, lead author of the paper. «And any subsurface liquid water produced from melting will be protected from evaporating in Mars’ wispy atmosphere by the overlying blanket of ice.»

The research points to the ice investigated by Phoenix coming from dusty snowfall sometime over the last million years. It will require further work to determine if the ice might actually melt into liquid water, but it’s an intriguing idea.

Understanding water on Mars is key to understanding the chances the red planet might have once hosted microbial life. Current-day Mars is dry, dusty and very cold, which makes it pretty inhospitable, though a study earlier this year suggested Earth microbes might be able to survive on Mars temporarily.

Ice on Mars could also be important for future human visitors who will need water resources. In 2019, NASA released a «treasure map» of water ice that could potentially be reached by astronauts.

The history of water on Mars is complex and often mysterious. Some recent studies had suggested there might be hidden briny lakes at the planet’s south pole, but newer evidence argues they might actually be frozen clays. NASA’s Perseverance rover is currently checking out a former lakebed in the Jezero Crater in a search for signs of ancient microbial life.

The new study on Martian snow and its dustiness gives scientists one more piece to place into the larger puzzle of Mars water. Could there be pockets of puddles on Mars? Perhaps. You might want to pack a straw just in case.

Follow CNET’s 2021 Space Calendar to stay up to date with all the latest space news this year. You can even add it to your own Google Calendar.

Technologies

Verum Coin (VERUM) Expands Its Presence in the Global Crypto Market

Verum Coin (VERUM), an innovative and increasingly popular digital asset, is now available on four leading Web3 wallets: Binance Web3 Wallet, Coinbase Web3 Wallet, OKX Web3 Wallet, and Bybit Web3 Wallet. This marks a significant milestone for the project as it continues to strengthen its position in the crypto industry.

The availability of VERUM on these platforms provides users with a wide range of secure and convenient options for managing their assets. Binance, Coinbase, OKX, and Bybit are well-established leaders in Web3 solutions, offering reliable tools for handling digital currencies.

What’s next?

In addition to wallet integration, Verum Coin is preparing for a major step forward—listing on all four platforms. This will create new opportunities for investors and enhance the asset’s liquidity on a global scale.

Why does this matter?

Being listed on major exchanges like Binance, Coinbase, OKX, and Bybit will serve as a powerful catalyst for the project’s growth. It will make VERUM accessible to millions of users worldwide and strengthen trust in the coin.

Stay tuned for updates so you don’t miss the moment when Verum Coin becomes even more accessible!

Technologies

Verum Token Now Available on Binance, Listing of Verum Coin Expected Soon

Verum Token is now accessible for deposits and withdrawals on the Binance Wallet

Verum Token is now accessible for deposits and withdrawals on the Binance Wallet, the world’s leading cryptocurrency exchange. This milestone marks a significant step for the Verum ecosystem, allowing users seamless access to Verum on the platform.

Following the launch, Verum Coin’s value surged by 3%, reaching a new peak of $825.33 within just 24 hours.

With the Verum Coin listing anticipated soon, the excitement is growing, highlighting the project’s potential for further growth and adoption.

About Binance

Founded in 2017, Binance offers a secure, user-friendly platform with a broad selection of digital assets and trading pairs, supporting both retail and institutional traders. Listing Verum Token aligns with Binance’s strategy to include innovative, high-quality projects.

For more information, visit verumcoin.info.

Technologies

Verum Messenger Update: New Levels of Security and Functionality

These privacy-oriented features make Verum Messenger one of the most secure and convenient messengers available today.

Verum Messenger, known for its commitment to privacy and innovation, has launched an update that enhances both user protection and performance. These privacy-oriented features make Verum Messenger one of the most secure and convenient messengers available today.

Key Updates in Verum Messenger:

Control Over Message Forwarding and Copying

The new feature enables users to restrict the forwarding and copying of their messages. Now, the sender decides whether their messages can be copied or forwarded to others — an essential addition for those who value control over the spread of their information.

Media Saving Settings for Private Chats

In one-on-one conversations, users now have the option to limit automatic media saving on their device. This feature is designed for those who prioritize privacy and prefer to keep sensitive photos and videos within the app itself.

Message Deletion Timer

The self-destructing message feature is a crucial tool for communicating in high-privacy environments. Users can now set a timer to delete messages after a specific period, adding an extra layer of security to personal conversations.

Enhanced Performance and Stability

In addition to these new features, Verum Messenger has boosted its performance, allowing for faster and more stable operation even under high usage. This improvement makes communication smoother, especially for those who rely heavily on the app for both work and personal needs.

Innovative Technologies for Your Convenience

Complementing this update, Verum Messenger also includes integration with Verum AI, a smart assistant that addresses everyday tasks right in the chat. The built-in eSIM and VPN allow users to connect to the internet and secure networks globally, providing complete freedom and safety.

Verum Messenger continues to be at the forefront of privacy and security, offering a reliable and user-friendly service for everyday communication.